Peter
Role: Co-Founder, Managing Director, Coach
Certifications & Background
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)
CrossFit Coaching Fundamentals Course
CrossFit Scaling Course
CrossFit Teaching Movement Course
CrossFit Running Course
HYROX Level 2 Performance Coach
AED & CPR Certified
Coaching since: 2018 | Athlete since: 2016 |Specialties: CrossFit, HYROX, strength and conditioning, personal training, returning to training after injury|Current goal: earn CrossFit Level 3 / Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) before turning 50 in April 2027.
My CrossFit Story
I discovered CrossFit over a hot pot with Theo and KC, and after the first workout I ever did, I was hooked. When I was younger, I was almost always on a sports field or in a gym — I loved training, but I was always trying to find a way to bring strength, fitness, conditioning, and sport together, and nothing quite worked. Then I did CrossFit for the first time, and it just made sense. I started training with KC in his basement — having my own gym had always been a dream of mine, and eventually Theo, KC, and I decided to turn that dream into something real. That journey became Hongtai CrossFit. What's kept me involved ever since is the same thing that hooked me in the beginning: the challenge, the methodology, the constant opportunity to learn, and above all, the community.
Why I Coach
I coach because I enjoy helping people achieve things they once thought were impossible — finishing a first class, learning a difficult movement, returning after injury, or preparing for a competition. My coaching philosophy is simple: meet people where they are, challenge them appropriately, and give them the structure and support they need to improve. Good coaching should be clear, honest, encouraging, and personal — every athlete should feel noticed and coached, not just left to follow the workout on the board.
Competition Highlights
Competed in track and field, tennis, and rugby at provincial and national level growing up. Now also plays golf and cycles, and loves being outdoors and in the water — beach, swimming, water sports. For me, fitness has never just been about what I can do inside a gym — it's about having the strength and physical freedom to go out and do the things I enjoy.
Get to Know Peter
Favorite movement: Deadlift
Least favorite movement: Any run longer than 5km — at my age, I have a bicycle if I want to go that far
Favorite benchmark WOD: Cindy
Favorite workout song: "Back in Black" — AC/DC
Favorite CrossFit quote: "CrossFit is infinitely scalable."
Favorite quote: "No matter where you go, there you are."
Languages: English, Afrikaans, and very patchy Mandarin — which I'm working hard on
Fun fact: I can probably cook a better steak on a braai than you can get in most restaurants. If you don't believe me, put me to the test — I'm happy to wager a beer or two on the outcome.